10 Of The Best Deep Cleansing Masks For Pure Pores

I am pretty much religious when it comes to my morning and evening routine but a recent facial got me questioning whether my face is actually a disgusting cesspit of polluted pores. The facialist was horrified at the ‘congestion’ in my pores. And there I was thinking congestion was just something that my nose suffered with in winter.

Since the aforementioned facial I’ve been on the hunt for deep cleansing masks that actually rid your pores of all the gunk and nastiness that can find its way in, but struggles to get out.

From heat up masks to exfoliating masks to peel offs, there’s a ton of choice. The only thing I could do is put them to the test and see what they did to my skin. And yes, it involved breakouts. Cleaning deeply isn’t for the faint hearted, but once you’ve detoxed your skin, you can help keep it squeaky clean a whole lot more easily. Introducing your new obsessions. These are definitely the ones to try for pore perfection.

1. Nia Sunday Detox Whipped Clay Peel-Off Mask

Next time you’re having a solo Netflix session whip out your Nia Sunday Detox Whipped Clay Peel-Off Mask $36.00 (try saying that with a hangover) — and you will soon be in love. This hybrid mask uses clay but has a foamy texture making it look hilarious once it’s on (partners and flatmates will appreciate the comedy value), but seriously, it’s a mask that leaves skin feeling cleaner than your teeth after the hygienist. It dries to a clay texture which draws out impurities. Then all that’s left to do is peel it off and admire your pores.

Nia Sunday Detox Whipped Clay Peel-Off Mask — $36

2. Glam Glow Gravity Mud Firming Treatment

I’m all for perfect pores but I love a multi tasker. Glam Glow’s GravityMud Firming Treatment ($69.00), clears out pores but also helps lift your contours by using powerful natural ingredients such as marshmallow extract and licorice leaf, leaving skin toned and feeling tighter, brighter and lighter.

Glam Glow Gravity Mud Firming Treatment — $69

3. Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

Two words that your excess oils will tremble at? Green clay. Liz Earle’s Deep Cleansing Mask ($25.00) is loaded with the stuff and my god does it work. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes while it works its magic, drawing out the impurities and all the dark secrets lurking at the bottom of your pores. It will make your skin sorry for its sins and will leave it feeling a whole lot purer. Not for sensitive skin types.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask — $25

4. Dirty Detox by bareMinerals

Diry Detox by bareMinerals ($35.00) is the best way to clear out your pores in 10 minutes. It really is potent stuff, made with no fewer than four mineral rich clays and charcoal too. The papaya enzyme also helps buck up your skin’s radiance factor. You’ll love how your face feels afterwards. Also the fragrance is delicious.

Dirty Detox by bareMinerals — $35

5. Clean & Clear Deep Action 60 Second Oil-Free Shower Mask

Who doesn’t appreciate a bit of deep action? But 60 seconds doesn’t sound long enough does it… Well, it really, really is. Simply smother your face with Clean & Clear’s Deep Action 60 Second Oil-Free Mask next time you’re in the shower and integrate this into your morning routine a couple times a week to see noticeably clearer pores. The best bit? It’s only $5 from Target.

Clean & Clear Deep Action 60 Second Oil-Free Shower Mask — $5

6. Dr Brandt Magnetight Age Defier

Radiance, youth and clean-as-a-whistle pores go together. Dr Brandt knows all about that. Their mind blowing Magnetight Age Defier mask ($75.00) is absolutely genius and uses magnetic technology to rid your pores of nasties. While you could be forgiven for thinking magnet masks are a fad, the great Cleopatra actually used to sleep with a magnetic amulet on her head to preserve her beauty. Sexy right? No matter. This magnet stuff works. Magnetight Age Defier is made with cleansing mud and magnetic particles and the best bit is you have to use a magnet to remove the mask, so that the junk in your skin can be lifted out. Science just got fun.

Dr Brandt Magnetight Age Defier — $75

7. Isla Apothecary Refine & Radiate Beautifying Face Mask

Brighter skin is always welcome. Refine & Radiate Beautifying Face Mask ($30.00) is a gentle mask from Isla Apothecary which cleans pores without the drama but also adds radiance and hydration. With lush ingredients like turmeric (my fave thing right now), coconut milk and sandalwood, it smells divine and feels like TLC in a bottle for troublesome pores.

Isla Apothecary Refine & Radiate Beautifying Face Mask — $30

8. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Random hobby of mine? Reading Amazon reviews. People just really let loose over there. So I had to try this little known face mask, Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, ($9.59) simply because of the rave reviews (and photos!) underneath it. It didn’t disappoint. Made with natural calcium bentonite clay to purge impurities this is a bit of a find. It is a bit of a faff because you have to mix it with water or cider vinegar, but it left my skin sparkling. One of those cheap but incredible products that you have to try to believe. You’ll soon be hooked.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay — $9.59

9. Aria Starr Beauty Natural Dead Sea Mud Mask

Clogged pores, blackheads and acne scars are just the worst. So get rid. Aria Starr’s Natural Dead Sea Mud Mask ($16.95) is another clay mask but this time it really does target those issues that get you feeling insecure about being caught without your foundation on. It removes dead cells, toxins and dirt but also wages war on blackheads without leaving your skin dry. In fact my skin felt super soft afterwards. I’m a fan.

Aria Starr Beauty Natural Dead Sea Mud Mask — $16.95

10. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Mask

When things work well, life is glorious. Your skin can be glorious too with a little help from Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Mask ($35.00). It is made with white clays and moisturising ingredients to make your skin feel super smooth, all while clearing out the build up of excess oil and dirt that lands in your pores.